Britain’s Foreign Secretary, Sir Alec Douglas-Home told the General Assembly today that terrorism of innocents “in the name of some hideously distorted interpretation of Justice” was a “disease” that “must be stopped unless law and order for world society is to be totally undermined.” Eradication of terrorism must be “Vigorously pursued,” Sir Alec declared, adding: “We in Britain will support drastic measures to stop this rot, and we welcome the initiative taken on Monday by Mr. Rogers (US Secretary of State William P. Rogers).” The Briton did not elaborate on his reference to “drastic measures.”

While praising Rogers’ anti-terrorism proposals. Sir Alec did not specifically mention, as the American did, the massacre of Israelis and others at Lydda Airport in Tel Aviv and at the Olympic Games in Munich, the murder-by-mail program of Palestinian terrorists and other terrorist acts against Israel and Israelis. Yesterday, the Munich killings and other acts of Palestinian terrorism were unexpectedly condemned by Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei A. Gromyko. The only specific terrorism cited by Sir Alec was that in Northern Ireland.

The British Foreign Secretary urged States to endorse the Hague and Montreal anti-hijacking conventions “with all possible speed”; called for the effecting of “further measures to close every haven to the hijacker and saboteur,” and asked States to extradite and prosecute terrorists, prevent International travel by them and coordinate police activities against them.

On the Middle East, Sir Alec welcomed the “dramatic change” resulting from Egypt’s having “dispensed with Soviet military support.” This “step towards de-polarization Is an opportunity to resume the quest for a peaceful settlement,” and “should be seized,” he said, adding: “We should not be deflected from this aim by the cycle of violence and reprisal which has been given fresh impetus in recent weeks.” He recommended that the UN “stick to” Security Council Resolution 242 and endorse again the Jarring peace mission.